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A-level psychology > Observation > Flashcards

Observation Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a research aim

A

The concept that the researcher wants to investigate

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2
Q

What is the research question

A

A specific question based on the aim of the research

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3
Q

What are the 5 key questions observations centre on

A
  • who
  • what
  • where
  • when
  • how
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4
Q

Describe the key question who

A
  • who to observe
    (Who is the target population, ethics of using this, sample size, sampling technique)
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5
Q

Describe the key question what

A
  • what to observe
    (Unstructured observation or structured observation)
    Structured observation decides specific behavioural categories through ‘coding frames’
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6
Q

Describe the key question where

A

Where to carry out observation. Natural environment (naturalistic observation) or conditions contrived by researcher (controlled observation)

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7
Q

What is a structured observation

A

The observer of behaviour is guided by specific pre-defined behavioural categories prior to the observation through the development of a coding frame

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8
Q

What is an unstructured observation

A

Non focused descriptions of the range of behaviours that are going on (record everything observed)

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9
Q

Advantages of structured observations

A
  • data is reliable -> observation can be replicated by other researchers using the same fixed categories + can establish inter-rater reliability as behaviour to look out for is clear
  • researcher not distracted by other behaviours or irrelevant behaviours to the aim (increasing validity)
  • collects quantitative data quickly and easily-> can count frequency of behaviours and compare against other behaviours
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10
Q

Disadvantages of structured observations

A
  • can lack validity -> counting frequency of events does not encounter in their meanings
    + data less representative —> events that occur might not fit into any of the pre determined categories of behaviour (may be important) + can overlap with categories ( lacking validity )
  • different observes can place the same events into different categories
  • observer bias —> observer may interpret behaviours in a way that fits into the behavioural categories (reduce validity as doesn’t reflect what actually happened)
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11
Q

Advantages of unstructured observations

A
  • more representative, can record all behaviour that occurs -> including unexpected and annomical behaviour
  • increase validity as takes into account all behaviours that are occurring. More valid conclusions of behaviour as wide perspective gathered
  • applicable to a wide range of contexts, method extremely easy to use when collecting data on different situations of behaviour
  • produces qualitative behaviour which can record more detail for evaluation
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12
Q

Disadvantages of unstructured observations

A
  • difficult to observe and record behaviours within a busy area (will need camera equipment to observe all behaviour) —> some behaviours could be missed
  • difficult to replicate observation due to lack of fixed categories
  • observers have tendency to record more eye catching or noticeable behaviours which might not be relevant
  • observer bias —> researcher may only note down behaviours that support their own theories/the aim
  • difficult to compare data
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13
Q

What is a naturalistic observation

A

Observations done in the participants natural environment

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14
Q

What is a controlled observation

A

Observations in conditions contrived by researchers such as a laboratory setting

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15
Q

Advantages of naturalistic observation

A
  • high ecological validity
  • can record unexpected behaviours
  • less chance of demand characteristics or social desirability bias
  • can easily and quickly gain a large sample for observation
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16
Q

Disadvantages of naturalistic observation

A
  • less control of extraneous variables, lacking internal validity
  • harder to record behaviour in the public
  • if area too busy can lead to key behaviours going unnoticed or mistakes in observation
17
Q

Advantages of controlled observation

A
  • fewer extraneous variables, increasing internal validity
  • highly controlled makes it more replicable, data can be falsifiable
  • easier to record behaviours in a smaller controlled setting
18
Q

Disadvantages of controlled observation

A
  • high number of controls and unrealistic settings can result in low ecological validity
  • increased risk of demand characteristics
  • social desirability bias can cause participants to act unlike themselves if they are aware they are being watched
19
Q

What is a covert observation

A

Participants unaware they are being observed

20
Q

What is an overt observation

A

Participants are aware they are being observed

21
Q

Advantages of covert observation

A
  • allows natural behaviours to be observed ( more valid, less chance of demand characteristics )
  • less chance of observer effect
22
Q

Disadvantages of covert observation

A
  • difficult to record behaviours without raising suspicion
  • ethical issues such as lack of consent, participants also cannot withdraw
23
Q

Advantages of overt observation

A
  • avoids ethical issues as participants aware they are being observed
  • able to be open in recording behaviours so easier to record data
24
Q

Disadvantages of overt observation

A
  • participants are aware they are being observed so could change behaviour
  • biased sample as only those who agree to be observed can be included
25
Q

What is time sampling

A

The act of recording is triggered by the ending of a set time interval

26
Q

What is event sampling

A

The act of recording is triggered by the occurrence of the specific behaviour itself

27
Q

Event sampling advantages

A
  • all behaviours are recorded, nothing is missed out
  • better for recording behaviours which are not frequent
28
Q

Disadvantages of event sampling

A
  • difficult to record all behaviours If there is a lot going on
  • does not tell you when the behaviour occurred
  • time consuming and difficult to keep concentration if over a long time
29
Q

Advantages of time sampling

A
  • can see what behaviours occurs and if it changes over a period
  • does not require observer or concentrate throughout a time period
30
Q

Disadvantages of time sampling

A
  • can miss interesting behaviours between time points
  • data recorded may not be fully representative of what occurred

A-level psychology (26 decks)

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